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Student Network Chairs

The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union (UPSU) is looking for passionate, approachable and motivated students to take on leadership and representation roles within the student community.

The Student Council is a key decision-making body for student ideas and democratic representation at UPSU. Through the Have Your Say process, students can raise ideas, submit petitions and influence decisions that shape their university experience.

We are recruiting students for two categories of representative roles: Student Network Chairs and Faculty Representatives. These opportunities allow you to represent your peers, champion student voices, raise important issues and work collaboratively to make the University of Portsmouth a more inclusive and supportive place for everyone.

The positions

Student Network Chair

Student Network Chairs bring together students with shared identities, experiences and interests to build supportive communities, encourage engagement and campaign for positive change.

As a Network Chair, you will help identify the issues affecting your network, create opportunities for students to share their experiences, and ensure their views and priorities are represented within UPSU and the wider University.

We are recruiting Network Chairs for the following student communities:

• LGBTQ+ Network
• Disability Network
• Neurodiversity Network
• Women’s Network
• International Students’ Network
• Postgraduate Network
• PGM Network

As a Network Chair, you will:

• Represent the views, interests and priorities of students within your network
• Create opportunities for students to connect, share experiences and raise concerns
• Help develop campaigns, initiatives and activities that address key issues affecting your community
• Work collaboratively with other Network Chairs, Student Council members, Elected Officers and UPSU staff
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility across the student community
• Encourage participation and ensure that a range of perspectives inform your network’s priorities

What’s in it for you?

• You’ll gain valuable leadership, advocacy and communication skills
• You’ll develop your organisation, teamwork and time management skills
• You’ll gain practical experience in campaigning, student representation and community engagement
• You’ll have the opportunity to influence decisions and make a meaningful difference to the student experience
• You’ll build relationships with students, Elected Officers and university stakeholders
• You’ll develop your understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility
• It will look great on your CV, job applications and future opportunities
• You’ll have the chance to get more out of your university experience while helping other students do the same

Who should apply?

We welcome students who are passionate about improving the student experience, representing their peers and helping build a stronger student community.

Successful candidates will be approachable, organised, enthusiastic and willing to work with people from a range of backgrounds and experiences. You should be able to listen to different perspectives, communicate effectively and work collaboratively to identify solutions to the issues that matter to students.

We recognise that every student community is diverse. Representatives are not expected to speak for everyone; instead, they should create opportunities for students to share their views and help shape priorities and decisions.

We particularly encourage applications from students whose voices and experiences are underrepresented.

How to apply

Student Network Chairs:

Apply using the Student Network Chairs application form:

 Network Chair Application Form 

Please complete the relevant application form for your chosen category and follow the instructions provided.

For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Tanveena Zafrin, on tanveena.zafrin@upsu.net

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER® and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.

Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.